Athlete of the Week: Braves star Thompson plays NYC

Socastee High senior Dylan Thompson recently got a sneak preview of his dream of playing Major League Baseball by competing in the Metropolitan Baseball Classic in New York City.

After putting on an impressive performance at the Palmetto Diamond Prospects tournament last month, Thompson was one of three players from South Carolina, and one of 176 from across the United States, selected to compete in the second annual Big Apple showcase.

“I’ve not hardly traveled out of Myrtle Beach, so going to New York was an incredible experience,” said Thompson, citing Citi Field as the highlight of the trip. “Just walking out on the field, I can’t explain it. The seats were empty but it was a great atmosphere.”

In addition to getting to compete against the top players in America, the pitcher/infielder also got to play on Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. He pitched three scoreless innings, striking out five. He also suited up at Hofstra University and got some insight into how the MLB Draft operates.

Thompson who has already verbally committed to play at Coastal Carolina University, also will be eligible for the 2015 MLB Draft next June. Until then he has another tournament next month in Jupiter, FL, before trying to lead the Braves to the state title in his senior season.

“I don’t want to say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I want to go back there and do it again someday,” Thompson said of his pro prospects. “But if it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then it was worth it.”